Ethiopian Orthodox Church Reports 60 Killed in Oromia Region Attacks
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region. Church officials urge authorities to ensure safety.
POLICY WIRE — Nairobi, Kenya — The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has reported that at least 60 people were killed during two separate attacks within the country’s conflict-affected Oromia region over the past week.
According to the church’s Holy Synod, 14 believers lost their lives in Merti Woreda on October 20. A subsequent attack on October 24 in Sherka Woreda resulted in the deaths of 46 additional individuals.
Church officials stated that the victims were all Orthodox Christians. The violence also left more than 20 people seriously wounded and resulted in the destruction of 20 homes.
In the wake of the violence, the church has called upon government authorities to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
The Oromia regional government and a source associated with a rebel alliance currently fighting government forces in the northern Tigray region have traded blame regarding responsibility for the incidents.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
